The new issue of Film Comment Magazine (March/April 2008, Vol. 44/No. 2) features a cover story on Miss Meryl, their 2008 Gala Honoree. At this point, I'd imagine the irreplaceable actress is developing an ability to navigate these career honors with her eyes closed. Still, it seemed a perfect opportunity to continue my ongoing Streep Esteem section, which began in January with the recognition of her comedic work in She-Devil. Since Meryl will be once again working her pipes in this summer's screen adaptation of Mamma Mia!, I thought I'd take a look at another one of her musical roles: as recovering addict/actress Suzanne Vale in 1990's Postcards from the Edge.
Directed by Mike Nichols, the film marked he and Streep's third venture together, following 1983's Silkwood and 1986's Heartburn. It was adapted for the screen by Carrie "Princess Leia" Fisher from her own semi-autobiographical novel, and follows Suzanne from rehab to the often hilarious climb back up the Hollywood ladder. Shirley MacLaine is fabulous as Doris, Suzanne's diva of a mother, but it's Streep who appropriately gets the most play. Suzanne was one of Streep's less "actress-y" roles, and more of a version of herself, Ms. Fisher, and any other aspiring female star who's felt the woes of Hollywood. It would earn her her 9th of a record 14 Oscar nominations, perhaps for the fact that she belts out more than one tune before the movie ends, as well as, when the movie ends:
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